Page 702 - Week 03 - Tuesday, 5 April 2022
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
The ACT is well-positioned in terms of access to COVID-19 treatments and holds an extensive stock of oral, pre-emptive treatments, as well as sufficient antibody therapy to meet demand. The ACT also has a strong supply of anti-inflammatory agents used to treat moderate to severe infection. In addition, a small quantity of Evusheld, a new pre-infection antibody therapy, has recently arrived in the territory and may prevent infection in patients with significant immune deficiencies who would benefit from further protection in addition to their vaccine.
GPs are integral to providing patient care and supporting COVID-19 patients in the community. With the escalation of the Omicron outbreak in the ACT, the need to quickly share clinical knowledge with and amongst GPs was identified as a priority. To address this need, the GP liaison unit at Canberra Health Services developed the GP COVID Care@Home huddle, a forum for sharing of clinical knowledge and discussion to quickly inform and upskill GPs on the evolving COVID environment.
Topics discussed at the GP huddles included overview of COVID variants and therapeutic options; referral and escalation pathways; overview of oral antivirals and referral processes to obtain medications; paediatric COVID updates; the detection, management and referral of post-acute COVID syndrome, or long COVID; and management of COVID in residential aged-care facilities. The huddle format was short and sharp, with a rapidly developed program and flexible agenda. Presentations were a maximum of 15 minutes, allowing the majority of the time to be spent in conversation, better addressing the learning needs of GPs.
The huddles have successfully improved GP knowledge in relation to the management of COVID-positive patients in the community and have reduced the number of COVID-related inquiries directed to the Canberra Health Services GP liaison unit. The huddles were well-attended by approximately 50 attendees, and GPs reported high satisfaction with the relevance, content and format of these meetings. Due to the success of the huddles, CHS is continuing to facilitate them on an as-needed basis.
COVID-19 infection impacts people in many different ways, and we know that some people continue to feel the after-effects of COVID-19 for a significant time after they are no longer considered to have COVID-19. A new clinic has commenced at the University of Canberra Hospital to help people who are struggling to return their normal activities after having COVID-19.
The post-COVID-19 clinic is managed by a multidisciplinary team of rehabilitation specialists and allied health professionals who will help long-COVID patients to recover. Patients over 16 can be referred to the clinic by their GP and will undergo an initial assessment by the clinic to understand what rehabilitation activities are suitable for their individual needs. Rehabilitation services may be delivered via education and self-management, in group settings or individual sessions, depending on the needs of the patient.
Madam Speaker, on 10 January 2022, the ACT government opened a dedicated clinic to provide health care for people who have tested positive for COVID-19. The Garran COVID-19 clinic operates a drop-in service seven days a week, including public
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video